Animal Tourism in Nepal: Animal-Friendly

Kathmandu – Nepal is a very well-know part of Asia. Elephant back rides on Chitwan National Park is one of the things that Nepal is famous for. The Royal Bardia National Park’s tiger trails are also what Nepal is known for. However, there are some animal welfare issues that tourists should know about while they are in the country. Tourists should think about whether the money they spend in Nepal is going to support events and trades that make money from the suffering of animals. Tourists can easily enjoy Nepal and they do not have to take part in activities that harm animals, whether it is directly or indirectly.

Animal Acts

Tourists can help out with the welfare of animals by not paying to watch an animal perform sports or tricks. Read on to find out what types of animals perform in acts that people should not watch. Parrots are used in Nepal to by people who predict the future. The parrots are trapped illegally and then the wings and tail feathers are clipped. A lot of the parrots that end up captured do not survive the trauma, training, and transport that they suffer when they are captured.

Snakes are also forced to dance by snake charmers. When snakes are captured their teeth was pulled out. The snakes are not given any painkillers at all and sometimes their mouths are even sewn shut. A hot needle is usually used to pierce the snakes’ venom ducts. The snakes do not live long and they tend to die painfully and slowly.

Elephant polo seems like a fun activity but tourists should keep in mind that elephants are not supposed to be riding bicycles or balance on balls as well as play polo. The tricks that they have to perform are uncomfortable for the elephants as well as confusing. The elephants are usually trained to play polo by being treated in a cruel fashion during training. Trainers often use training techniques that scare the elephants as well as hurt them. Elephants’ spirits tend to be broken down severely because of the cruel training methods that the trainers use.

Animal Rides Are Something Responsible Tourists Should Not Take Part In

When tourists are in Nepal, then they will notice that animals are frequently forced into taking tourists for rides regardless of what the weather is like, and they are not given enough water or food. Some of these animals are abused, pregnant, old and malnourished. Some of them are even forced to give rides to tourists even if they are injured. Horses or donkeys are often used as taxis and they are overworked all day long. Some tourists do not realize that if they bring a lot of luggage aboard, then they are adding to the animals’ workload. Captive elephants are also used in many of the safari tours in Nepal. The best thing tourists can do is to not ride any animals.

When the elephants are at a young age they are taken away from their mothers and they are trained by trainers who use punishment and reward methods that are cruel. The elephants are often left traumatized. Trainers will usually use a sharp hook to poke elephants’ spots on the head that are sensitive. Some trainers will use a stick to do this. Tourists should remember that riding on the back of an elephant is not the way the majestic elephant spirit is represented.

The simple solution is to not ride-on animals. Tourists should simply get off of the animals’ backs and stay off of them. If tourists feel that there is no other method of transportation available, then they should make sure that they do not overload the animal that they are going to be riding. If tourists do ride the animal, then they should make sure that the animal receives proper nutrition, rest and water as well as the proper medical treatment.

Tourists who keep these things in mind will help do their part in making sure that their money is not going towards animal cruelty.